How Much Does It Cost to Paint a House in Australia? [2025 Guide]

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House painting in Australia costs between a few hundred and several thousand dollars depending on location, surface prep, paint type, and job complexity. Small units may require only minor touch-ups, while larger homes need full prep and multiple coats. This guide explains real pricing factors and how to get the best value.

Why Painting Costs Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All

Here’s a few things that affect your quote:

  • Labour vs materials, Spoiler: labour’s the bigger slice of the pie
  • Surface condition, Got cracks, mould or flaky paint? That prep work costs more
  • Type of paint, Premium finishes like enamel or textured paints will hit the hip pocket harder
  • House size, Obvious, but true: more wall area = more paint and labour

Think of it like this: house painting is part science, part art, and your final quote reflects that.

Next up, we’ll pull apart what goes into a typical cost estimate.

house-painting cost

How Much to Paint a House in Australia?

Here’s what you’re looking at on average:

House SizeInterior PaintingExterior Painting
1–2 Bedroom Unit$2,000–$4,000$2,500–$4,500
3–4 Bedroom House$4,500–$7,500$5,000–$9,000
5+ Bedroom House$8,000+$10,000+

Want a Real Quote From a Real Pro?

Brushworks is your go-to for stress-free, high-quality painting in Sydney NSW. Our experienced painters bring top-tier products, craftsmanship, and guaranteed results.

Get in touch for a no-obligation estimate because your walls deserve better than guesswork.

Call Brushworks now on 0401 533 408
Or request a fast, free quote online 

Pricing by House Type

Not All Homes Are Created Equal

Let’s break it down by building type:

  • Apartments: Smaller surface area, fewer walls, expect lower costs.
  • Townhouses/Duplexes: Shared walls mean less to paint, but stairwells or high ceilings can bump it up.
  • Freestanding Homes: More walls, more paint, more labour, simple math.

The cost per square metre can also vary. On average, you’re looking at:

  • $15–$45 per sqm for interiors
  • $20–$60 per sqm for exteriors

Again, surface preparation plays a huge role here.

Hourly Rates vs Square Metre Pricing

Which One Works in Your Favour?

Some painters charge by the hour, others by the square metre. Which is better? Depends.

  • Hourly rate: Great if the job is small or straightforward. Expect around $35–$50/hour.
  • Square metre: More common for large homes or full interior/exterior jobs.

Brushworks uses both methods depending on your project. Transparent. Flexible. Fair.

Factors That Influence Your Quote

Here’s what can hike the price up (or down):

  • Wall condition: Cracks, damp, or peeling paint? Prep will take longer.
  • Type of paint: Enamel, textured or specialty paints cost more.
  • Accessibility: Multi-storey homes or steep sites mean ladders, scaffolding, and risk.
  • Season and weather: Humidity and rain delay drying, pushing out labour hours.
  • Urgency: Need it done tomorrow? You’ll likely pay a premium.

Interior Painting: What You’re Really Paying For

Room-by-Room Breakdown

Let’s say you’re painting a 3-bedroom house. Here’s a rough idea of what you’re paying for:

  • Walls and ceilings: The bulk of the cost
  • Trims and doors: Easy to forget, but time-consuming
  • Surface preparation: Fill, sand, prime
  • Coats: Two is standard, but darker colours might need three
Room TypeApprox. Cost
Living Room$600–$1,200
Bedroom$400–$800
Kitchen$400–$750
Bathroom$300–$600
Hallways$500–$900

Exterior Painting Costs

Exterior painting comes with extra prep and weather considerations. It’s more labour-intensive, which means higher costs.

Things that affect pricing:

  • Type of cladding: Weatherboard, brick, render all need different prep.
  • Height: Second-storey homes cost more due to safety equipment.
  • Additional features: Fences, garage doors, gutters, eaves they all add time and materials.

Tip: Ask Brushworks for a package deal if you’re painting multiple exterior features.

How Many Coats Are Needed?

Standard practice is two coats — sometimes three for darker or lighter transitions.

  • Primer + two coats = Long-lasting finish
  • Only one coat? That’s a red flag. It’ll look patchy and age fast.
  • Multiple coats increase paint usage and labour time, so it affects your final quote.
Parramatta Residential Painters

Extras That Add Up

Not everything is included in every quote. Look out for:

  • Surface repairs: Filling cracks, sanding back texture, patching damage
  • High ceilings: These take longer and need extra equipment
  • Lead paint removal: Especially in older homes. It’s a specialised (and regulated) service
  • Furniture removal or masking: If you don’t do it, they’ll need to, and charge for it

Always ask what’s not included in the quote.

DIY vs Hiring Pros: A Realistic Comparison

Sure, you could paint it yourself. But should you?

DIY may be cheaper upfront, but let’s look at the full picture:

TaskDIY CostPro (Brushworks)
Paint & tools$400–$1,000Included
Prep time10–20 hoursDone for you
QualityInconsistentGuaranteed
WarrantyNoneIncluded
StressHighNon-existent

How to Get an Accurate Quote

Here’s how to make sure your quote is legit:

  • Ask for a site visit phone quotes are guesstimates at best
  • Ensure they break down labour, paint, and extras
  • Confirm how many coats are included
  • Check if they’re licensed and insured
  • Look for recent reviews

Brushworks ticks every one of those boxes.

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Save more when you paint in spring. Ask us about discounted rates and flexible start dates.

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Top Questions Homeowners Ask

What is the average cost to paint a house?

The average cost to paint a house varies based on factors such as size, location, and the type of paint used. Generally, homeowners can expect to pay between $2,000 to $6,000 for an entire house, with larger homes and higher-quality paints increasing the overall cost.

How much does house painting cost in Australia?

The house painting cost in Australia can range significantly depending on the region and the scale of the project. For example, painting a three-bedroom house may cost between $3,000 to $7,000, while larger houses could incur higher expenses due to more extensive labor and materials.

What is the cost of materials for house painting?

The cost of materials for house painting generally includes paint, brushes, rollers, drop cloths, and other supplies. On average, homeowners can expect to spend around $400 to $800 on materials for a standard painting project, but this can vary widely based on the type of paint and the size of the area being painted.

How much does it cost to paint a bedroom?

The cost to paint a bedroom typically ranges from $300 to $1,000, depending on the size of the room and the quality of paint chosen. DIY painting can reduce costs, while hiring a professional painter might increase expenses due to labor charges.

What is the average cost of exterior house painting?

The average cost of exterior house painting can range from $1,500 to $4,000 for a standard-sized home. Factors like the type of exterior paint, house design, and preparation work needed can influence the total cost of exterior painting.

Is it cheaper to paint in summer?

Often, yes. The paint dries faster, but demand also spikes.

How long does it take?

A 3-bedroom home takes around 3–7 days, depending on prep and weather.

Are materials included in the quote?

With Brushworks? Absolutely. We’ll tell you what’s covered and what’s extra.

Do I need to move my furniture?

Ideally, yes. If not, we’ll carefully cover and move what’s needed but it adds time.

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